MPE 481 – AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING I (3 units)

COURSE CONTENT

1. Introduction:
a. Fundamentals of vehicle dynamics, Types of motor vehicles – systems and
components, units and parts.
b. Functions of various automobile systems and components.
c. Fuels for automobiles.
2. Vehicle behaviour under acceleration:
a. Weight transfer as a result of grade, acceleration and aerodynamic forces.
b. Engine characteristics.
c. Traction-limited acceleration.
d. Tractive force and transmission design.
e. Weight transfer as a result of engine torque.
f. Torque converter characteristics.
3. Road loads and aerodynamic forces on motor vehicles:
a. General expression for aerodynamic drag.
b. Drag coefficients for vehicle shapes.
c. Vehicle stability or instability due to drag.
d. Air flow patterns and pressure distribution.
e. Lift and weight transfer.
f. Side load and side winds.
g. Semitrailer stability in adverse weather conditions.
h. Fuel savings as related to drag coefficient.
i. Life cost in economics of transport trucks.

REFERENCES
Automobile engineering by K.M. Gupta Vol I & II
Automotive engineering fundamentals by Richard Stone and Jeffrey K. Ball
Fundamentals of vehicle dynamics by Thomas D. Gillespie